Julio Jones (WR, Alabama)

Alabama running back Mark Ingram, defensive lineman Marcell Dareus and wide receiver Julio Jones say they’re entering the NFL draft. However, linebacker Dont’a Hightower says he is returning to school. The four announced their decisions Friday. Coach Nick Saban says each player made the right decision. Ingram won the Heisman during Alabama’s national championship season, but was hampered part of this season as he recovered from knee surgery. The 6-foot-4, 306-pound Dareus was the star in Alabama’s championship win over Texas and had 34 tackles this year as a premier pass rusher. Jones led all Crimson Tide receivers with 1,133 yards and seven touchdowns this season. - AP Sports

Jones is our #2 junior WR and is a first round prospect. He is 6-4, 220 and runs a 4.49e. That size/speed combination will make him a prize to many teams. Usually you can find a prospect with one or the other, but the combination makes a player a gem. Here is Rob Rang of NFLDS' take:

"Release: Good initial burst off the line of scrimmage. Long-strider with good build-up speed to eat up the cushion against corners playing off-man coverage. Excellent size and strength to defeat press coverage. Good use of hands to ward off defenders and has enough lateral agility and burst off the line to gain an immediate advantage.

Hands: Inconsistent. Drops too many passes due to a lack of concentration - usually when he's trying to make a defender miss before wrapping the ball up securely. Isn't a consistent "hands" catcher and allows too many passes into his pads, resulting in drops. Flashes the ability to extend and make the highlight-reel reception. Willing to run routes across the middle and take a big hit to make the catch.

Route running: Made his biggest gains in this area as a junior. Improved consistency with his route-running. Doesn't possess elite speed or the explosion out of his cuts, but has learned to sink his hips and plant firmly to generate improved separation on short and intermediate routes. Is able to get away with less than ideal route-running due to his size and physicality. Much stronger than most collegiate receivers and won't be pushed around by NFL defensive backs. Deceptive deep speed to challenge over the top.

After the catch: Among his better areas. Runs with a long stride but also possesses good agility to elude defenders in open quarters and the acceleration to run away from defenders. Rare strength to break free of tackles and gain yardage after the catch. Good vision to set up his blocks downfield due to experience as kick and punt returner.

Blocking: Among the better downfield blockers of the 2011 receiver class. Good size, strength and competitiveness. Keeps his head on a swivel and looks to help his teammates.

Intangibles: Proved his toughness by playing through various injuries over his career, including a broken hand in 2010. Highly decorated prep athlete rated the No. 1 overall prospect in the country by some scouting organizations. Involved with several local community service projects including the Santa America Foundation and local Optimist International club."